Citizenship is the status of a person recognized under the custom or law as being a legal member of a sovereign state or belonging to a nation. The Constitution of Kenya gives prominence to the Sovereignty of the people, the Republic and the Territory of Kenya and issues of Citizenship. In Kenya, a person can become a citizen by; birth or registration. You must be a citizen of Kenya to qualify for a Kenyan Passport.

a. Citizenship by birth

A person becomes a Kenyan citizen if;

Their mother or father is a Kenyan citizen
They are found in Kenya when they are less than eight years old, and the nationalities of them and their parents are not known
A person who is a citizen by birth but has ceased to be a citizen is entitled on application to regain Kenyan citizenship. This is known as dual citizenship

b. Citizenship by registration

The following categories of people qualify to become citizens through registration;

A person who has been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least seven years is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen

A person who has been lawfully a resident in Kenya for a continuous period of seven years may apply to be registered as a citizen
A child who is not a citizen but is adopted by a Kenyan citizen is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen

The following categories of people qualify to become citizens through registration;

A person who has been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least seven years is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen
A person who has been lawfully a resident in Kenya for a continuous period of seven years may apply to be registered as a citizen
A child who is not a citizen but is adopted by a Kenyan citizen is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen

Table of Contents

1. Declaration made by a dual citizen

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, provides that: every dual citizen shall disclose his/her other citizenship in the prescribed manner within three months of becoming a dual citizen. A dual citizen who fails to disclose the dual citizenship in the prescribed manner commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.

Requirements for dual citizenship declaration

In order for you to apply for dual citizenship declaration in Kenya, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 3 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Copy of birth certificate

Copy of Kenyan passport
Copy of Kenyan identity card
Copy of the other country’s passport

Copy of the other country’s Citizenship certificate
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for dual citizenship declaration

To apply for dual citizenship declaration in Kenya, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal

Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Dual Citizenship’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application

You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

2. Application by a dual citizen for endorsement on non-Kenyan passport

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulation provides that the passport of any other country that is held by a dual citizen may, upon application by the holder, be endorsed to indicate that the holder is a citizen of Kenya.

Requirements for application for endorsement on non-Kenyan passport by a dual citizen

In order for you to apply for endorsement on non-Kenyan passport, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 4 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs

Copy of birth certificate
Copy of applicant’s Kenyan passport or Parent’s Kenyan Passport
Copy of Kenyan identity card

Copy of the other country’s passport
Copy of the other country’s Citizenship certificate
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate

Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for endorsement on non-Kenyan passport by a dual citizen

To apply for endorsement on non-Kenyan passport, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link

Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the endorsement tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing

You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

3. Application to regain Kenya citizenship

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides;

A person who was a citizen of Kenya by birth and who ceased to be a citizen of Kenya because he or she acquired the citizenship of another country may apply in the prescribed manner, to the Cabinet Secretary to regain Kenyan citizenship

Application to regain Kenyan citizenship shall be accompanied by;
- Proof of applicant’s previous Kenyan citizenship
- Proof of citizenship of the other country

Requirements for application to regain Kenya citizenship

In order for you to regain Kenyan citizenship, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 1 (print the form after completing your application)

2 passport size photographs
Copy of Kenyan ID
Copy of Kenyan passport

Copy of the other country’s passport
Copy of the other country’s citizenship certificate
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate

Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply to regain Kenya citizenship

To apply to regain Kenya citizenship, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link

Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Regaining’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS , you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing

You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

4. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a spouse of a Kenyan citizen

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides for a person who has been married to a citizen of Kenya for a period of at least seven years shall be entitled, on application, in the prescribed manner to be registered as a citizen of Kenya, if;

The marriage was solemnized under a system of law recognized in Kenya, whether solemnized in Kenya or outside Kenya

The applicant has not been declared a prohibited immigrant under this Act or any other law
The applicant has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
The marriage was not entered into for the purpose of acquiring a status or privilege in relation to immigration or citizenship

The marriage was subsisting at the time of the application

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a spouse of a Kenyan citizen

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a spouse of a Kenyan citizen, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 8 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Copy of marriage certificate

Certificate of good conduct
A joint sworn affidavit
Copy of dependants pass/permit

Copy of applicant’s passport
Copy of spouses Kenyan passport
Questionnaire for intending applicants (print the questionnaire after completing your application)

Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a spouse of a Kenyan citizen

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a spouse of a Kenyan citizen, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal

Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Citizenship by Marriage’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ Tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment

If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

5. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a widow/widower of a Kenyan citizen

Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides for;

A foreign national who has been married to a Kenyan citizen who but for the death of the citizen would have been entitled, after a period of seven years, to be registered as a citizen of Kenya. Shall be deemed to be lawfully present in Kenya for the unexpired portion of the seven years and shall be eligible for registration as a citizen on application in the prescribed manner upon expiry of the seven year period
The conditions for registration provided in the Act shall apply to a widow or widower who has applied for registration under this section
A widow or widower who marries a non-citizen before the expiry of the period of seven years shall not be entitled to acquire citizenship by registration under this section

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a widow/widower of a Kenyan citizen

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a widow/widower of a Kenyan citizen, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 9 (print the form after completing your application)

2 passport size photographs
Copy of marriage certificate
Copy of death certificate of spouse

Certificate of good conduct
A sworn affidavit
Copy of dependants pass/permit

Copy of applicant’s passport
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a widow/widower of a Kenyan citizen

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a widow/widower of a Kenyan citizen, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal

Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Widows/Widowers’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS , you can click here to make an application.

After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment.
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

6. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by lawful residents

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides a person who has attained the age of majority and capacity who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years may on application be registered as a citizen if that person;

Has been ordinarily resident in Kenya for a period of seven years, immediately preceding the date of application
Has been a resident under the authority of a valid permit or has been exempted by the Cabinet Secretary, and who is not enjoying the privileges and immunities under the Privileges and Immunities Act (Cap. 179)

Has resided in Kenya throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application
Has an adequate knowledge of Kenya and of the duties and rights of citizens as contained in this Act
Is able to understand and speak Kiswahili or a local dialect

understands the nature of the application
Has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
Satisfies the Cabinet Secretary that he or she intends to reside in Kenya after registration

Has been determined, through an objective criteria, and the justification made, in writing, that he or she has made or is capable of making a substantive contribution to the progress or advancement in any area of national development within Kenya
Is not an adjudged bankrupt

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by lawful residents

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a lawful resident, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 10 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs

Questionnaire (print the questionnaire after completing your application)
Permit held for the last 7 years
Certificate of good conduct

Letter of proof of contribution made in national development
Personal bank statement
Applicant’s passport copy

Declaration Concerning Residence (Form N)
Oath of allegiance
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate

Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by lawful residents

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a lawful resident, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Lawful Residence’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

7. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/adopted child

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides;

A child of a citizen by registration who was born before the parent acquired citizenship may on application by the parent or legal guardian be registered as a Kenya Citizen upon;
- Production of documents conferring Kenyan citizenship to any of the parents
- Production of the child’s birth certificate
- Proof of lawful residence of the child in Kenya

A child who is not a citizen, but is adopted by a citizen, is entitled on application in the prescribed manner by the adopting parent or legal guardian to be registered as a citizen upon;
- The production of proof of the Kenyan citizenship of the adopting parent
- The production of a valid adoption certificate issued in a reciprocating state or other jurisdiction whose orders, decrees are recognized in Kenya
- Proof of lawful residence of the child in Kenya

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/adopted child

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship for a child/adopted child, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 11 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Copy of birth certificate or local adoption certificate
Copy of parents Kenyan passport and Certificate of Registration
Copy of dependants pass
Copy of parent’s identity card
Copy of applicant’s passport
Certificate of good conduct for children 18 years and above
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/adopted child

To apply for Kenyan citizenship for a child/adopted child, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Children/Adopted Children’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS , you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

8. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/person with disability

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides a child or person with disability who is a dependant of any biological parent or legal guardian who is a citizen of Kenya by registration shall upon an application made on their behalf in a prescribed manner be registered as a citizen, upon;

Production of documents conferring Kenyan citizenship to any of the parents or the legal guardian
Production of the child’s or the person with disability’s birth certificate
Proof of lawful residence of the child or person with disability in Kenya

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/person with disability

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship for child/person with disability, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 12 (print the form after completing your application)
Copy of Passport
Copy of Birth Certificate
Proof of lawful residence in Kenya
Copy of parent’s/legal guardian certificate of registration
Medical certificate on disability
Certificate of good conduct for children above 18 years
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya for a child/person with disability

To apply for Kenyan citizenship for child/person with disability, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Persons with disability’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

9. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a stateless person

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides a person who does not have an enforceable claim to the citizenship of any recognized state and has been living in Kenya for a continuous period since 12th December, 1963, shall be deemed to have been lawfully resident and may, on application, in the prescribed manner be eligible to be registered as a citizen of Kenya if that person;

Has adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or a local dialect
Has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
Intends upon registration as a citizen to continue to permanently reside in Kenya or to maintain a close and continuing association with Kenya
The person understands the rights and duties of a citizen

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a stateless person

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a stateless person, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 13 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Certificate of good conduct
Proof of residence in Kenya since 12/12/1963
A sworn affidavit of the continuous residence in Kenya
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a stateless person

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a stateless person, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Stateless persons’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

10. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a migrant

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides a person who voluntarily migrated into Kenya before the 12th December, 1963, and has been continuously living in Kenya shall be deemed to have been lawfully resident and may, on application in a prescribed manner, be eligible to be registered as a citizen of Kenya if that person;

Does not hold a passport or an identification document of any other country
Has adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or a local dialect
Has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
Intends upon registration as a citizen to continue to permanently reside in Kenya or to maintain a close and continuing association with Kenya
The person understands the rights and duties of a citizen

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a migrant

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a migrant, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 14 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Certificate of good conduct
Sworn affidavit of not holding a passport or an identification document of any other country
Proof of residence in Kenya since 12/12/1963
A sworn affidavit of the continuous residence in Kenya
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a migrant

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a migrant, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Migrants’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

11. Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a descendant of migrant/stateless person

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides a person who has attained the age of eighteen years and whose parents are or in the case of deceased parents were eligible to be registered as citizens, upon application in the prescribed manner be registered as a citizen of Kenya if;

There is sufficient proof that the parents of that person fall within the class of persons referred in this Act
The person was born in Kenya and has been continuously living in Kenya since birth
The person does not hold and has never held a passport or identification documents of any other country
The person understands and speaks Kiswahili or a local dialect
Has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
The person intends upon registration as a citizen to continue to permanently reside in Kenya or to maintain a close and continuing association with Kenya
The person understands the rights and duties of a citizen

Requirements for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a descendant of migrant/stateless person

In order for you to apply for Kenyan citizenship as a descendant of migrant/stateless person, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 15 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Certificate of good conduct
Copy of birth certificate
Proof of residence in Kenya since birth
A sworn affidavit of the continuous residence in Kenya
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a descendant of migrant/stateless person

To apply for Kenyan citizenship as a descendant of migrant/stateless person, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Descendants of stateless persons and migrants’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

12. Declaration of voluntary renunciation of Kenyan citizenship

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides where a Kenyan citizen by birth voluntarily makes a declaration of renunciation of Kenyan citizenship, in the prescribed manner, the Cabinet Secretary shall cause the declaration to be registered.

Requirements for voluntary renunciation of Kenyan citizenship declaration

In order for you to apply for voluntary renunciation of Kenyan citizenship declaration, you must fulfill the following requirements.

A printed online application form 6 (print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Original and copies of Kenyan passport and ID
Copy of other country’s passport or proof of citizenship
Copy of checklist. Click here to download

How to apply for voluntary renunciation of Kenyan citizenship declaration

To apply for voluntary renunciation of Kenyan citizenship declaration, you need to follow these steps.

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ‘Apply now’ link
Click on the ‘Submit Applications’ tab and select the ‘Voluntary Renunciation’ tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘Payments’ tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ‘Dashboard’ then ‘My Applications’ tab (if you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

Tags: Kenya